Saturday, October 30, 2010

HANK AND CUPCAKES - Hank and Cupcakes EP


From Brooklyn by way of Israel (not something I get to type everyday), Hank & Cupcakes are here to entertain you/rock you/move you. Cupcakes sings and plays drums while Hank lays down the bass. The EP kicks off with two songs sure to get you out on the dance floor, "Ain't No Love" and "Pleasure Town". Cupcakes is cool and confident as she delivers her lyrics. The third track, "Roses", shows her as more emotional and vulnerable and is more the type of song where people will wave their lighters (or cell phones these days) than shake their booty. The album closes with a cover of Joy Division's "She's Lost Control". I've heard a number of bands try this cover, often with disastrous results. H&C keep it together, though, and manage to deliver an interesting take on the song. The EP is just a brief introduction to the band but shows them in fine form.

From what I've heard, the duo are a great live act and they will be embarking on a Fall 2010 tour this November, with dates along the East Coast. Check their Myspace for more details and shows near you.

www.myspace.com/hankandcupcakes
www.hankandcupcakes.com

Friday, October 29, 2010

MATT & KIM - Sidewalks


Matt & Kim, the too-cute couple duo from Brooklyn, present their third full-length album. Their sound hasn't changed too much from their previous albums: upbeat indie pop/rock with nerdy male vocals. Fans of previous albums should be pleased. I'm personally not as crazy about this as I was for their first two albums, but I could see this growing on me if I give it more spins. I don't think it's as immediately catchy as their previous releases, but it seems to have more potential for staying in rotation. The songs seem to have more happening and won't wear thin after a few plays. So for that, it could very well end up being my favorite album by these two kids. For those that are curious, "Cameras" is the album's first single and "AM/FM Sound" is my favorite track after my first play of the album in its entirety.

www.myspace.com/mattandkim
www.mattandkimmusic.com